History of Chicago Sky in Timeline

The Chicago Sky are a professional women's basketball team based in Chicago, competing in the WNBA's Eastern Conference since their founding in 2006. They have had two periods of success, the first from 2013-2016 when they made four playoff appearances and the 2014 WNBA Finals and the second from 2019-2022. The Sky won their first WNBA Championship in 2021.

February 2005: Chicago Awarded WNBA Franchise

In February 2005, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced that Chicago had been awarded a new WNBA franchise, temporarily named WNBA Chicago.

May 27, 2005: Dave Cowens Announced as Head Coach and General Manager

On May 27, 2005, Dave Cowens, former NBA player and coach, was announced as the team's first head coach and general manager. The team's home would be the UIC Pavilion.

September 20, 2005: Team Name and Logo Debut

On September 20, 2005, the team name and logo formally debuted at an event held at the Adler Planetarium. The team colors of yellow and blue represent a beautiful day in Chicago.

November 2005: Expansion Draft

In November 2005, the team held an expansion draft to build its roster, selecting Brooke Wyckoff, Bernadette Ngoyisa, Elaine Powell, and Stacey Dales.

February 28, 2006: Minority Shareholders Announced

On February 28, 2006, Michelle Williams from Destiny's Child and Mathew Knowles were announced as two of the team's minority shareholders.

December 12, 2006: Bo Overton Named Head Coach and General Manager

On December 12, 2006, Bo Overton was named the Sky's new head coach and general manager, replacing Dave Cowens.

2006: Franchise Founded

The Chicago Sky franchise was founded prior to the 2006 WNBA season.

2007: Armintie Price Named Rookie of the Year

In 2007, Armintie Price was named the WNBA Rookie of the Year.

March 12, 2008: Overton Resigns, Key Named Head Coach/GM

On March 12, 2008, Bo Overton resigned as coach/general manager amid harassment allegations and assistant coach Steven Key was named head coach/general manager.

2008: Radio broadcast disagreement

In 2008, WVON stopped carrying Chicago Sky games due to a financial disagreement, ending the team's radio presence. The radio broadcast of their home games were online during the 2008 season.

2008: Sylvia Fowles Drafted

In 2008, the Sky selected Sylvia Fowles with the second overall pick in the WNBA draft. Fowles missed 17 games due to a knee injury.

2009: Kristi Toliver Drafted

In the 2009 season, the Sky selected Kristi Toliver with the third overall pick in the WNBA draft. The team finished with a 16-18 record and lost a tiebreaker for the final playoff spot.

October 28, 2010: Pokey Chatman Hired

On October 28, 2010, Pokey Chatman was hired to replace Steven Key as GM and coach.

2011: Courtney Vandersloot Drafted

During the 2011 season, the Sky selected Courtney Vandersloot as the third overall pick. Sylvia Fowles was named Defensive Player of the Year and averaged a double-double.

2012: Experienced Players Signed

Before the 2012 season, the Sky signed former champions Ticha Penicheiro and Ruth Riley, and traded for Swin Cash and Le'Coe Willingham.

2013: Turning Point Season

The 2013 season was a turning point for the Sky. Elena Delle Donne was drafted, named Rookie of the Year, and led All-Star voting. Sylvia Fowles was named Defensive Player of the Year. The Sky reached the playoffs for the first time.

2014: WNBA Finals Appearance

In 2014, the Chicago Sky played in the WNBA Finals.

February 2015: Cappie Pondexter Acquired

In February 2015, the Sky acquired Cappie Pondexter from the New York Liberty in exchange for Epiphanny Prince.

December 6, 2016: Amber Stocks Hired

On December 6, 2016, Amber Stocks was hired as head coach and general manager, replacing Pokey Chatman.

2016: Playoff Appearance

In 2016, the Sky finished 4th in the league and returned to the playoffs, losing in the semifinals to the Los Angeles Sparks.

2016: League standing

The Chicago Sky league standing from 2016 to present.

2017: Vandersloot's Assists Record

During the 2017 season, Courtney Vandersloot set a new assists-per-game record.

2017: Sky Miss Playoffs

In the 2017 season, the Sky posted a 12-22 record and missed the playoffs for the first time in five seasons.

August 31, 2018: Stocks Relieved of Duties

On August 31, 2018, the Sky relieved Amber Stocks as head coach and general manager.

November 2018: James Wade Hired

In November 2018, James Wade was hired as the team's new head coach and general manager.

2019: Playoff Appearance and Wade's Award

The 2019 season was a turnaround for the Sky, as they entered the playoffs as a fifth seed. James Wade received the Coach of the Year Award and Courtney Vandersloot exceeded her own assists-per-game record.

2020: Shortened Season and Early Playoff Exit

In the 2020 season, which was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sky ended with a 12–10 record and lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Phoenix Mercury.

February 1, 2021: Candace Parker Signs with Sky

On February 1, 2021, the Sky announced the signing of free agent Candace Parker. Parker wanted to return to her hometown team.

October 17, 2021: First WNBA Championship

On October 17, 2021, the Chicago Sky won their first WNBA Championship, defeating the Phoenix Mercury 3–1 in the WNBA Finals. Kahleah Copper was named the Finals MVP.

October 19, 2021: Championship Parade and Rally

On October 19, 2021, a parade and rally were held to celebrate the Chicago Sky winning the WNBA Championship.

2021: First Championship in 2021 WNBA Finals

In 2021, the Chicago Sky won their first WNBA Championship.

2022: Commissioner's Cup Appearance

During the 2022 season, the team posted a 26–10 record and earned the second seed and appeared in the WNBA Commissioner's Cup, losing to the Las Vegas Aces. The Sky lost in the semifinals to the Connecticut Sun.

October 2023: New Head Coach and General Manager

In October 2023, the Sky named Teresa Weatherspoon as the new head coach and Jeff Pagliocca as the new general manager.

2023: Significant Changes and Wade's Resignation

The 2023 season marked a period of significant change for the Sky. Head coach James Wade resigned in July to take an assistant coaching position with the NBA's Toronto Raptors. The team finished as the eighth-seed and lost in the first round of the playoffs.

August 26, 2024: Introduction of Skye the Lioness

On August 26, 2024, the Chicago Sky introduced Skye the Lioness as their new mascot, replacing Sky Guy. The lioness was inspired by lion sculptures at the Art Institute of Chicago.